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Mission 12: Surprise Attack Two – March 3, 3032
The Dai Da Chi commander developed a plan to separate the a Canopian company by offering up a juicy target forcing the lighter, faster elements to pursue while pincering the command lance and destroy their commanders’ ‘Mech and debilitate their ability to lead in the field.  The primary mission is to destroy the BattleMaster, with secondary objectives to destroy the rest of the lance.  The Dai Da Chi providing the lure to the Command lance to force them into an engagement with the Harden-Wang’s Hussars coming in from behind to close the trap.

Recon Lance (3,886 BV)
Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kr (Sheng Chen 4/4)
Valkyrie VLK-QA (Kyle Karnovski 4/5)
Firestarter FS9-H (“Torch” Thompson 4/5)
Javelin JVN-10Nr (Wu Fei  4/5)

Dai Da Chi (4,250 BV)
Griffin GRF-1N
Vindicator VND-1R
Blackjack BJ-1
Wyvern WVE-6N

Canopian Command Lance (5,984 BV)
BattleMaster BLR-1G
Stalker STK-3F
Orion ON1-K
Archer ARC-2R

After Action Report:
With the House Warriors’ detachment establishing a defensive line, the Cohort’s moved forward to engage.  Overwhelmed, the House Warriors’ skill still shone through, as the Griffin scored a head hit to the BattleMaster with its PPC.  The headshots continue as each other Cohorts’ Command Lance ‘Mechs are hit in the head.  The House Warriors parry with the Cohorts at range while the speedy Hussars duck and weave between the heavier Cohorts, exploiting back armor.  Around the 7th exchange, the BattleMaster and Orion both fall under withering fire.  The Orion, attempting to rise, falls twisting its leg off.  Shortly thereafter, the Orion is destroyed by ammo explosion under the concentrated fire of the Dai Da Chi. 

The BattleMaster doesn’t stir from the ground, so the Hussars’ target the damaged Stalker, ripping into it.  The Stalker takes a nose dive, landing awkwardly on its leg damaging the delicate fibers inside.  Summarily, the Stalker’s leg is also destroyed and kicked like a soccer ball inflicting heavy damage to the gyro.  The BattleMaster begins to rise and ravaged by the Javelin’s SRMs, landing a final blow to the head, destroying the cockpit inside, killing the company commander.  The Archer begins to run as the Lynx and Phoenix Hawk chase it down setting off LRM ammo from a rear shot, destroying the ‘Mech outright.  Since salvage is not possible, the Dai Da Chi pilots empty their energy weapons into the Stalker and BattleMaster hulks after tearing off the arms for spare parts.

Mission 13: Artillery Stoppage – March 10, 3032
With the CCAF invasion forces hitting the Canopians hard, the Canopian commanders need to stymie the Capellan tide.  In order to do so, they moved forces to establish an artillery fire base outside the capitol to bombard the invading CCAF forces pushing toward Caesar’s Cohorts base of operations.  The Hussars released their Recon and Support Lances to hit the firebase before they had time to assemble their artillery battery.

Harden-Wang’s Hussars (6,791 BV)

Recon Lance
Lynx LNX-8Q (Lt. Cheryl Wang 4/4)
Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kr (Sheng "Speedy" Xi 4/5)
Javelin JVN-10Nr (Wu Fei 4/5)
Phoenix Hawk PXN-1 (Jon Borne 4/5)

Support Lance
Firestarter FS9-H (Tarn “Torch” Thompson 4/5)
Whitworth WTH-1r (Langston Harris 5/6)
Wasp WSP-1A (Jimbo DeBras 5/6)
Valkyrie VLK-QA (Kyle Karnovski 5/6)

Canopian Forces (5,300 BV)
4 Striker Tank LRMs
4 Bulldog Medium Tanks
4 Cargo Trucks
4 Platoons of Rifle Infantry

After Action Report:
In another pincer action, the Hussars attack the Canopian artillery formation.  The PXH-1 and Firestarter focus on the infantry, bringing their flamers and machine guns to bear.  They make short work of the infantry who were setting up their artillery pieces in preparation of the CCAF invasion.  The Bulldogs and Strikers concentrate easy targets, ravaging the Wasp, knocking out it’s left arm and torso.  Likewise, the Lynx is battered, losing both its right torso and arm under concentrated fire. 

The Hussars circle the slower vehicles, attempting to stay close to the Strikers to reduce the effectiveness of their LRM launchers.  Multiple exchanges occur before combat grouping loses start taking their tolls on both sides.  In the end, the results are devastating for the Canopians and a heavy toll on the behalf of the Hussars.

The Hussars suffered the following casualties:
Lynx LNX-8Q [right arm and right torso destroyed]
Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kr [gyro hit, center torso internal damage]
Javelin JVN-10Nr [minor armor damage]
Phoenix Hawk PXN-1 [moderate armor damage]
Firestarter FS9-H [heavy armor damage]
Whitworth WTH-1r [left arm and left torso destroyed]
Wasp WSP-1A [left torso and left arm destroyed]
Valkyrie VLK-QA [left arm destroyed]

The Canopians suffered the following casualties:
4 infantry platoons destroyed
4 Cargo trucks destroyed
2 Striker Tanks destroyed
2 Striker Tanks immobilized
1 Bulldog tank destroyed
1 Bulldog Tank operational
2 Bulldog Tanks immobilized

Intermission 5 – Rebuild & Repair: April 3032 – February 3033
The Harden-Wang’s Hussars had endured great hardships during the invasion and occupation of Drozan.  However, from the heated conflict, a solid mercenary unit had been forged.  With a company of ‘Mechs, supported by a small infantry contingent the Harden-Wang’s Hussars had earned respect of two well respected units of the CCAF.  The ravaged Warrior House Dai Da Chi and Harden-Wang’s Hussars needed time to rebuild and refit. 

Taking their earnings so far and trading salvage with the Warrior House’s techs, the Harden-Wang’s Hussars reconfigured their formations.  Commander Harden decided that they needed to add a dynamic, fast-strike element to the mix.  Hiring some seasoned vehicle crews, they acquired some VTOL and Hovertank support in the form of a lance of Karnov VTOLs (modded into Cavalry VTOLs) and a lance of J. Edgar Hovertanks.  These acquisitions swelled their ranks to an understrength mixed battlalion.

Once the repairs, refits, and hiring was underway, assignments were drawn.  The Hussars were assigned to assist Dai Da Chi and Ishara’s Grenadiers in the liberation of Jacomarie, set for April 3033. 

Harden-Wang’s Hussars TOE – February 3033

BattleMech Company

Command Lance
Thug THG-10E (Cpt. Gareth Harden 4/4)
Marauder MAD-3Lr (Communications Officer Will Lomax 4/4)
Rifleman RFL-3DD (Sgt. Dimitry Ravish 4/4)
Thunderbolt TDR-5S (Carl Fidorawitz 4/5)

Recon Lance
Lynx LNX-8Q (Lt. Cheryl Wang 4/4)
Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kr (Sheng "Speedy" Xi 4/4)
Phoenix Hawk PXN-1 (Jon Borne 4/5)
Javelin JVN-10Nr (Wu Fei 4/5)

Light Support Lance
Firestarter FS9-H (Lt. Tarn “Torch” Thompson 4/4)
Whitworth WTH-1r (Langston Harris 5/5)
Vindicator VND-1R (Jimbo DeBras 5/5)
Valkyrie VLK-QA (Kyle Karnovski 5/5)

Conventional Troops Company

1 Command Platoon of Foot Infantry (Lasers) 4/4
3 Platoons of Foot Infantry (Lasers) 4/5
Optional Equipment: 4 Sniper Artillery Guns

Combat Vehicle Understrength Company

Hunter-Killer Lance
4 Karnov VTOLs [Cavalry Mod] (4/5)

Fast-Attack Lance
4 J. Edgar Hovertanks (4/5)

Mission 16: Shhh, We’re Hunting Lancers – April 13, 3033

With the morale of the Lancers shattered, their lines crumbled and they began a disorganized withdrawal.  The CCAF, seeking to maximize the cost of the Lancers' retreat, ordered all faster attack units to pursue, harrass and destroy the Lancers' units that were isolated and easy pickings.  The Harden-Wang's Hussars sent their new Armor units out to seek fleeing units and chase them down and destroy them.

Harden-Wang’s Hussars (4,188 BV)
4 Karnov [Cavalry Mod] VTOLs
4 J. Edgar Hovers

Long’s Light Lancers (4,134 BV)
Vulcan VL-5T
Wyvern WVE-6N
Shadow Hawk SHD-2D
Ostroc OSR-3C

After Action Report:
The beginning of the engagement was dull, as the skirmishing forces of the Hussars moved to threaten the Canopians.  The Canopians, knowing they were caught in hilly, but mostly open terrain, had no choice but to defend.  The Canopians stay fairly spread out, allowing themselves to use their range to their advantage if possible. 

Two volleys ravaged the Shadow Hawk, crippling its right leg, sending it toppling.  In return, one of the J. Edgars was heavily damaged, slowing it substantially.  The slowed J. Edgar was destroyed as one of the Cavalry VTOLs shot the writhing Shadow Hawk, setting off its SRM ammo destroying the ‘Mech.  Then, the Vulcan, weathering a barrage of SRM fire, was penetrated in its right torso, setting off the machine gun ammo within.  Meanwhile, the Wyvern, taking heavy fire, takes a few SRMs to the head, stumbles, and falls, knocking the pilot out. 

The downed Wyvern is peppered by more SRMs, gnashing into the weakened armor, destroying the head and then setting off the LRM ammo blowing the ‘Mech apart.  The Ostroc, sensing imminent defeat, tries to run, but is gunning down, overwhelmed by the speed and numbers.   And like that, the battle is over, with the cost of victory minimal, only one J. Edgar Hovertank.

Intermission 6 – To Repulse, Renown, and New Roland – Mary 3033 – November 3034

From Jacomarie, the Harden-Wang’s Hussars were attached to Kincade’s Rangers on the way to Repulse.  Assigned to patrols, escorts, and base defense, the Hussars didn’t see any action against the Drummond’s Destroyers on Repulse.  It wasn’t long before House Dai Da Chi arrived and the Canopians evacuated. 

Frustrated with the lack of action, the Hussars spent the read of 3033 in space, aboard their dropships.  Soon the call was made to hit Renown in pursuit of Drummond’s Destroyers.  However, by the time they had landed, the Canopians were already boarding the dropships.  The Hussars rushed to the Canopian LZ, but were just too late.  And while rumors that CCAF recaptured Renown without a shot being circulated after the conquest, that rumor was false, as Commander Harden shot his PPCs in frustrations at the fleeing MAF dropships. 

After a few months spend helping get Renown’s situation under control, the Hussars were off to New Roland alongside their friends with House Dai Da Chi and the reputed Kamakura’s Hussars.  They helped square off against Clayborne’s Commandoes and other Canopian commands that had been beaten back in the past year and a half.  And it is here on New Roland that the Harden-Wang’s Hussars get back in the action.

Salvage from Jacomarie:
RFL-3N (arms destroyed)
CN9-A (moderate armor damage)
OTL-4L (moderate armor damage, leg destroyed)
AS7-D (minor armor damage, AC/20 damaged)
KW1-LH2 (moderate armor damage, leg and head destroyed)

All salvage was transported back to Drozan on a cargo dropship that was ferrying foodstuff from Drozan to Jacomarie in relief.  As unit resources were relatively depleted and techs at a premium, units would be repaired and refit at their home once the invasion forces were repelled.

HWH were awarded bonus pay for capture of the EMP-5A and of a Major of the MAF during Mission 17.  However, 'Mech and prisoner were taken by CCAF.

Mission 18: One, Two Punch (Punch One) – New Roland – November 17, 3034
The Canopians resolve had started to falter, as the CCAF began to beat them back from their entrenched locations.  The Harden-Wang’s Hussars were assigned to take over a key supply depot.  The primary objective was to push the Canopians out, hopefully capturing it and allowing the CCAF to utilize the materiel within to continue to press home the advantage.  With nearly their whole forces available, they were allowed to create their own plan of attack.

The outpost boasted a fairly extensive defense, including a company of ‘Mechs, supported by tanks and infantry.  In order to crack this shell, the Hussars would have to use misdirection.  As a forward outpost and resupply point, caravans moving supplies to and from the base occurred daily.  Keen observation noted that a portion of the outpost’s garrison would accompany the supply convoy until it linked up with other Canopian forces.  It was this observation that sparked an idea of how to capture the base and utilize those resources to press home the attack. 

The plan entailed a two pronged attack.  First, the Hussars’ would deploy two of their ‘Mech lances to attack the convoy, not too far from the enemy base.  Far enough, of course, that it would seem like a legit attack, but not too far that the Canopians couldn’t dispatch support to assist.  The second prong of the attack would rely on their fast elements to overwhelm the remaining defenders. 

To implement this attack, the Hussars borrowed some Karnov transports to allow for rapid deployment of their infantry to assist in the capture.  The Harden-Wang Hussars would hold their J. Edgars, Karnov Attack VTOLs and infantry platoons in the Karnov transports in waiting, to strike at the opportune moment and capture the outpost and essentially entrap the Canopian relief force between a captured outpost and the attack elements.

Harden-Wang’s Hussars (9,802 BV)
Thug THG-10E (Cpt. Gareth Harden 4/4)
Marauder MAD-3Lr (Communications Officer Will Lomax 4/4)
Rifleman RFL-3DD (Sgt. Dimitry Ravish 4/4)
Thunderbolt TDR-5S (Carl Fidorawitz 4/5)
Firestarter FS9-H (Lt. Tarn “Torch” Thompson 4/4)
Whitworth WTH-1r (Langston Harris 5/5)
Vindicator VND-1R (Jimbo DeBras 5/5)
Valkyrie VLK-QAr (Kyle Karnovski 5/5)

Harden-Wang Reinforcements (2,012 BV – Arriving Turn 9)
4 Karnov (Cavalry) VTOLs

Canopians (7,556 BV)
Marauder MAD-3R
Thunderbolt TDR-5S
Centurion CN9-A
Wyvern WVE-6N
4 Bulldog Medium Tanks
8 Trucks (20 tons)

Canopian Reinforcements (5,734 BV – Arriving turn 6)
Vulcan VL-5T
Griffin GRF-1N
Valkyrie VLK-QA
Commando COM-2D
4 Striker Light Tanks

After Action Report:
The sides close quickly as the H-W Hussars take advantage early.  The MAD-3R is the focal point of the H-W Hussar attention and explodes from the AC/5 ammo inside.  The Bulldogs are targeted and killed in rapid order, taking one out every other volley.  The Centurion, taking shots like a heavy weight champ, loses its AC/10, but lasts another 4 volleys before it is brought down. 

The H-W Hussars don't get away without accumulating damage of their own.  The Vindicator suffers moderate engine damage on a luck shot that bypasses the armor.  The MAD-3Lr suffers gyro damage from another luck shot that bypasses armor.  Armor damage mounts on the remaining 'Mechs but all hold strong.  n up, loses ac/10. 

Soon, the Canopian relief forces arrive on the battlefield.  Backing off their attack, H-W Hussars find cover and await for their own reinforcements to arrive.  Once the modified Karnov modified Attack VTOLs hit the scene, the H-W Hussars renew the onslaught, pushing the Canopian relief forces.  The Karnovs eat away at the Canopian backsides,  as they ravage the Valkyrie from behind, destroying the gyro.  The Wyvern, pondering around in the middle of the battlefield takes a pounding, suffering leg damage and falls.

The Centurion finally goes down to repeated engine damage.  The Canopian T-Bolt ravages the Thug, but takes repeated SRMs to the backside, setting off its machine gun ammo.  Sustained SRM bombardments destroy the Wyvern via ammo explosions as well, as the Striker Tanks are peppered and damaged reducing their mobility.

The attack has turned in the favor of the Hussars.  All trucks have been destroyed, with their carriages untouched.  Disaster strikes as the Thug is downed, knocking out Commander Harden.  In the following Volley, the Thug’s leg and arm are destroyed.  The Hussar Valkyrie’s left torso is destroyed, knocking out its LRM 15 system.  The Firestarter is hit in the head with SRM and knocked out as well.  In the subsequent volley, the modified Firestarter is completely destroyed, the center torso and all that is contained within destroyed.  However, the Vulcan is knocked out of the fight with repeated SRMs hammering into its head.  Commander Harden wakes up and punches out to protect the Thug from further abuse. 

While taking heavy damage, the HWH continue to press home, sensing the Canopian morale faltering.  Another Striker is destroyed and the Griffin’s right arm and PPC are destroyed with shatters the Canopian spirit causing a wholesale surrender.  The victory was well earned, but costly as the following casualties were reported:

Thug (50% armor damage, leg and arm destroyed)
Marauder (10% armor damage, gyro hit via TAC)
Rifleman (30% armor damage)
Thunderbolt (50% armor damage)
Firestarter (cored out, destroyed)
Whitworth (10% armor damage)
Vindicator (30% armor damage, 2 engine hits)
Valkyrie (60% armor damage, left arm and left torso destroyed)
Karnovs (minor damage)

However, the Canopians suffered and even greater amount of casualties as a result of this attack.
8 Trucks all destroyed, all cargo containers intact
Marauder MAD-3R (destroyed via ammo)
Thunderbolt TDR-5S (destroyed via ammo)
Centurion CN9-A (destroyed via CT destruction)
Wyvern WVE-6N (destroyed via ammo)
4 Bulldog Medium Tanks (2 destroyed by ammo, 2 destroyed by damage)
Vulcan VL-5T (50% armor damage)
Griffin GRF-1N (50% armor damage, right arm destroyed)
Valkyrie VLK-QA (30% damage, 2 gyro hits)
Commando COM-2D (destroyed by ammo)
2 Striker Light Tanks (destroyed by damage)
2 Striker Light Tanks (damaged)

Mission 20:  Pursuit of the Second Fusiliers – New Roland – January 20, 3035
By the time the H-W Hussars caught up to the main CCAF task force, the Canopian defensive retreat had turned into a near full blown route.  Both sides were exhausted from constant skirmishing and rare rest, so the H-W Hussars were assigned to contest the rear guard of the main Canopian contingent with their fresh ‘Mechs and warriors. 

Harden-Wang’s Hussars (10,662 BV)
Thug THG-10E (Cpt. Gareth Harden 4/4)
Marauder MAD-3Lr (Communications Officer Will Lomax 4/4)
Rifleman RFL-3DD (Sgt. Dimitry Ravish 4/4)
Thunderbolt TDR-5S (Carl Fidorawitz 4/5)
Lynx LNX-8Q (Lt. Cheryl Wang 4/4)
Phoenix Hawk PXH-1Kr (Sheng "Speedy" Xi 4/4)
Phoenix Hawk PXN-1 (Jon Borne 4/5)
Javelin JVN-10Nr (Wu Fei 4/5)

Second Fusiliers (9,147 BV)
Victor VTR-9B
Archer ARC-2R
Grasshopper GHR-5H
Enforcer ENF-4R
Shadow Hawk SHD-2D
Trebuchet TBT-5N
Wolverine WVR-6R
Vulcan VL-2T

After Action Report:
As both sides close, long range shots were exchanged.  The more ranged oriented Canopians keep jockeying back, trying to keep distance and let their AC’s and LRM’s do damage.  Both sides spread shots as the lines for both sides are fairly spread out.  It is several volleys before a decisive blow falls.  The Shadow Hawk is called as primary target, and most of the H-W Hussars blast into the lightly armored ‘Mech, blow it apart.  Shortly thereafter, the Archer is punished and sent sprawling, knocking the pilot out.  He quickly regains consciousness, but jars the Archer’s leg on the way up, completing the leg’s destruction. 

Now the H-W Hussars have penetrated the Canopian line, targeting the softer, ammo burdened ranged ‘Mechs.  The Trebuchet is now called primary target, and is ravaged, having its left legs destroyed.  The one-legged Archer stands, but is summarily kick back down, this time landing on its LRM ammo, destroying the ‘Mech outright.  The Enforcer and Grasshopper share the onslaught, taking heavy damage.  Meanwhile, damage starts accumulating on key H-W Hussars ‘Mechs, with the Thug, Marauder, and Rifleman showing signs of heavy armor damage, and weakening internals.

Continuing their push, the Cpt. Harden displays his brilliant aim, catching the Grasshopper with a PPC shot to the face, destroying the head and neutralizing the ‘Mech.  The Thunderbolt’s LRM 15 sprays the Victor with missiles, damaging its heavy autocannon.  Next, the Vulcan is torched, from a medium laser shot from the PXH-1, destroying the machine gun ammo inside.  At this point, the Trebuchet and Enforcer are legless, the Grasshopper headless, the Victor big gunless, and the Wolverine the only fighting machine left.  The Wolverine makes a break for it, and escapes as the H-W Hussars surround the remaining Canopians to claim salvage.

The Harden-Wang’s Hussars came out alright for their final mission on New Roland:
Thug (heavy damage, SRM 4 destroyed) 1 kill
Thunderbolt (moderate armor damage) 0 kills
Rifleman (>60% armor damage) 1 kill
Marauder (>40% armor damage, engine crit) 1 kill
Lynx (<25% armor damage) 0 kills
PXH-1 (<25% armor damage) 1 kill
PXH-1Kr (<25% armor damage) 0 kills
Javelin (<25% armor damage) 0 kills

The Canopian rear guard did not fare as well, but they managed to delay the CCAF advance for decent period of time:
Victor (>75% damage, AC/20 damaged) – salvaged
Archer (destroy via ammo)
Grasshopper (>50% armor damage, foot actuator damage, head destroyed) - salvaged
Enforcer (>50% armor damage, leg destroyed) - salvaged
Trebuchet (> 50% armor damage, leg destroyed) - salvaged
Shadow Hawk (destroyed via ammo)
Vulcan (destroyed via ammo)
Wolverine (escaped)